The farmers leaders comprised activists hailing from Puntamba in Ahmednagar district which the call for the ongoing state-wide farmers’ strike, on since June 1, was given. (PTI)

Madhya Pradesh farmers’ protest: Facing massive protests in the state, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Monday increased the announced ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh to Rs 1 crore in Mandsaur violence. “Will give Rs 1 crore to the kin of deceased persons, governemnt job to one member of the family,” Chouhan said.”Government will ensure free treatment to those injured in the incident, Rs 5 lakh to be given to families of injured persons,” Chouhan added. He further appealed to the farmers to remain calm and reiterated that certain anti-social elements are trying to vitiate the environment. “Appeal to farmers to be peaceful, we stand by all of you. Some people trying to spoil the atmosphere,” Chouhan added. Meanwhile, ANI reported that the toll in Mandsaur violence has risen to 6. Earlier in the day, Chouhan made serious allegations against Congress and said that Mandsaur violence, in which 6 people have died so far, is a Congress conspiracy. “Government is sensitive and stands with farmers but Congress party, through conspiracy tried to fuel violence, many Cong leaders did so,” Shivraj Singh Chouhan was quoted as saying by ANI. Along with the allegation, CM Chouhan had also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh and Rs 1 lakh to kin deceased and injured, which now stands revised.

The farmers’ protests, which started in the state of western Madhya Pradesh on June 1st, took a violent turn on Monday. As per ANI, the violence have left 6 people killed and four injured so far. Also, the government has suspended internet services in the region and section 144 has been imposed in several parts of the state. Monday marked the sixth day of protest despite Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s assurance that government is taking all the necessary steps to address the issues of the agitating farmers.